Outdoor Weddings – What YOU Need to Know

Today, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about concerns that you need to take into consideration when planning an Outdoor Wedding. Outdoor weddings must be planned with thoughts about the weather and the light conditions.

You need to have adequate lighting for your guests’ departure. Display lanterns or luminaries help indicate where guests exit.

Guest Name Cards will fly away if there is wind. Display these name cards tied to branches or tucked into a decorative display base filled with sand.

The Ceremony area many times is out in the open, so give so consideration to positioning that event space in a shaded area. Our hot sun makes for a very uncomfortable experience during an afternoon ceremony.

Of course, provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages for guests to grab. Flip flops for ladies are nice if you are using a gravel or sandy area. (Think lake front or beach!)

Additional things to have on hand and very useful include – bug spray, suntan lotion, flashlights, garbage bags, and paper towels.

Always have a Plan B for inclement weather. What will you do if it is raining all day long? Tent rentals are always in demand during the summer and one might not be available if you wait unit the week before to try to rent one. And renting a tent is not a “cheap” affair. They are expensive and may times exceed the cost of a regular indoor venue.

We would love to hear from past brides who have had an outdoor wedding. What worked? What were some of the problems you encountered? What advice do you have for our 2018 brides? Please share with our reads your thoughts and suggestions. Send your comments to Bride@BrideStLouis.com.

One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you. Be prepared to keep your guests comfortable, and you will shine as the perfect host on your day.